aeeble

Trader Joe's is a unique grocery store chain known for its eclectic and often surprising products. Founded by Joe Coulombe in 1967, the company started as a Pasadena, California-based convenience store called Pronto Markets. However, it eventually evolved into Trader Joe's after moving to an older location that had previously housed a Joe's Grill restaurant.

The first Trader Joe's store under this name opened on July 21, 1967, in Pasadena. Coulombe was looking for a different concept and experimented with unusual products from around the world. He imported exotic items such as mandarin oranges, which were initially not well-received by local customers but eventually gained popularity.

Trader Joe's has become famous for its private-label products, including food, beverages, and household items. The company does not use traditional marketing strategies like television or radio advertising; instead, it relies on word-of-mouth recommendations and an in-store experience that encourages customer exploration.